Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Giveaway and Interview with Catherine Bybee and her book Highland Shifter

Welcome to this stop on the Highland Shifter virtual tour with author Catherine Bybee. Who doesn't love a hot Highland guy with a sword and the ability to shift? The combination sounds absolutely decadent! I was able to use some of my gentler techniques to get Catherine to answer some of my questions. So we get a little insight not only in the book, but from the mind behind the creation as well. Here is what Catherine had to say:

How old were you when you first realized you wanted to write?

35 – but the first time I attempted to write a book I was 15.

Most authors have an unusual story or way that they come up with their ideas for books…Do you have one?

Not really. My mind is always trying to come up with ideas and trying to push the limits of what we will believe. I’ve had dreams that I’ve made scenes out of. Not to mention years of working in the ER has given me plenty of stories to tell.

What was your biggest influence that steered you towards writing?

The inability to work my day job. I found myself online all the time and decided to finally finish a novel.

I have to ask, what are the hardest scenes for you to write?

Writing The End is hard. In every romance there is a HEA and sometimes by their nature happily ever after turns sappy. I try hard to keep it real, but it’s hard sometimes. Good question, BTW.

Are sex scenes difficult for you to word?

No. And I think that’s because I’ve attempted to write erotic romance. I’ve only written two short books, but they helped with my overall language and ability to paint a sex scene. If anything I have to pull the wording back for mainstream romance.

Do you see yourself writing in another genre?

Outside of romance? Yeah…I think one day I’ll attempt to write a book that isn’t a primary romance. I tend to get lost in the stories sometimes. I think this current Druid, Time Travel series proves that. There is a romance driving the work, but there is a ton of story between the pages.

Has your family been supportive?

Ahh, yeah, kind of. In the beginning it was hard. They saw a lot of working and very little pay off. But with my recent five week stent on the New York Times Bestseller list, they’ve turned around.

Are any of your characters reflective of you?

Yes. Tara from Binding Vows reminds me of me in many ways. Liz, her sister has my colorful mouth. My good friend read Binding Vows before it was published and said, “My God, Tara is soooo you!” LOL

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

Travel. Read. I bowl on a league and spend a ton of time with my family.

Who is your favorite book heroine?

Don’t have a favorite.

Do you have any unusual habits that revolve around writing?

Not really.

What were some of your biggest challenges at the beginning of your career?Waiting…waiting for feedback, waiting for edits…waiting. I don’t think about that much now. When I’m self publishing a book the only thing I’m waiting for is reviews. Work my agent is pitching elsewhere has to be ‘waited on’ but it doesn’t bug me like it used to. I know that the work will eventually be published if I deem it good enough. That is the beauty of self publishing in this new world.

How do you feel about reader comments?

I have a strong back…actually my back is jacked, hence the reason I became a writer and stopped my day job, but figuratively speaking, I can handle bad reviews. That said, I LOVE reader comments. And some of the bad ones can actually be helpful. I know that sounds strange, but I try not to put someone down for their honest opinion. If they are mean and hurtful, then I just blow it off. Most of the time. I’m human and if the day has been hard those comments can bother me. It always cracks me up when a review is nasty and the reviewer can’t spell my name.

Do you have any advice for new authors?

Write, write and write some more. It’s the only way you get better and the only way you become a published author.

Thank you so much Catherine for taking the time to answer some questions!! Now let's take a look at the book itself:

Helen Adams has a knack for finding lost objects, but the Simon McAllister she finds isn’t what she expected. The missing California teen is now a grown man—a kilted, sword wielding, Highland warrior.

A mysterious Druid book and Helen’s sixth sense send her to Scotland in search of a missing boy. After being attacked by strange men dressed in medieval garb, a handsome, desirable hero answering to the boy’s name rescues her. No one is more surprised than she to find herself in sixteenth century Scotland. Unable to deny the reality of time travel, Helen discovers smoldering passion with a man destined to leave her.

Simon has lived his Druid life in two very different worlds, two vastly different times, and when Helen practically lands in his lap, he knows his life is about to change forever. There are enemies in California lying in wait for her, and an army in Scotland closing in on his family. Simon is the only person who can protect her. But when she learns his most guarded secret, will she still want him? Can Helen love a Highland Shifter?

New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author Catherine Bybee has been addicted to romance since her teens. After spending a decade of her life working as an RN in urban emergency rooms, Catherine is now dedicated to writing happily-ever-afters for the world to love. Catherine is married and raising two sons in Southern California.

Simon stepped closer and felt the heat of her skin. She smelled of the strawberry shampoo she used in her hair. Helen’s hands slid from her hips and fell to the side.

“’Tis time we clear up a few things in your lovely head about me.”

He stepped closer, and Helen, the wise girl, took a step back until her bottom met the edge of the desk. She reached behind her to steady herself and keep from falling.

Like a predatory cat cornering his prey, Simon towered over Helen, watching her body twitch as her eyes travelled over his.

“Really?” Her voice wavered. After clearing her throat, she asked. “Like what?”

Simon licked his lips and glanced at hers. “I’m not evil.”

“Uhm….” Her eyes never left his mouth while he spoke.

“And I’d never lure a child into my presence.”

Simon leaned into her, their thighs touched and Helen’s breathing started to quicken. He placed one hand on the table beside her, leaving her very little room to escape should she want to. From the hunger in her gaze, and the heat coming off her body, he didn’t believe she would.

“A woman, however, might tempt me to entice her attention.”

Doesn't this sound like an amazing read? Well you have a chance to get you own copy!! Just fill out the rafflecopter below!!

I wouldn't mind landing in the lap of a Highlander! i'd even go back in time as long as I could have proper grooming ability - like a bath and shower with lots of never ending hot water and lots of haair and skin products! I like the time period except for the dirt factor!Thanks for the giveaway,MJBmsmjb65 AT gmail DOT com

I'd want to go to another planet. I've always thought space travel would be cool. I know one day we will get there I just wish I would have been here for it. LOL. AND of course along for the ride is one (who am I kidding all) the BDB men. LMAO

Great interview! If I could go to another place and time...I would love to be Rory MacLeod (from Monica McCarty's Highlander Untamed) in Scotland in the 1600s. I love the MacLeod's of Skye Trilogy! Thank you for the giveaway.

omnific

RBTL World of Books Blog Tours

Innovation

Subscribe To

FTC Guidelines

The books I review here at CEWTNK are either bought by me or gifted through giveaways, hops or R.A.K.
I do not receive money for my reviews on books that are provided to me by the publisher or author of the book. These books are sent to me for an honest review.
I am also a host for different blog tour sites and receive books to review for blog tours but again I read and review these for free and give my honest opinion in my review.